Volkswagen T-Cross SUV makes its global debut

The T-Cross, Volkswagen's first ever compact crossover, has made its global debut; To sit below the T-Roc and Tiguan in VW's SUV lineup.

The newly unveiled Volkswagen T-Cross has been a much-awaited product from Volkswagen for quite some time now. While there is still some time for its debut in India, here's a quick look at what the international-spec model has to offer.

In a way, the T-Cross shares dimensional similarities with the international model of the Polo hatchback, since both the cars share the same Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB-A0) platform. Consequently, the T-Cross shares its mechanicals with the hatchback as well. However, due to the crossover treatment, the T-Cross is 50mm longer and 110mm taller than the hatch. The wheelbase, at 2,560mm, remains identical.

Despite the compact proportions, VW claims that the T-Cross offers a spacious interior with enough room for five people. For added convenience and space versatility, the T-Cross gets a sliding rear seat which can be adjusted by up to 140mm, allowing more rear passenger leg room or more luggage space. The boot capacity ranges between 385 and 455 litres. However, thanks to a fully-folding rear seat back, the luggage capacity can be increased to a maximum of 1,281 litres.

In the international markets, the new T-Cross will go on sale with a choice of four turbocharged engines, out of which three are petrol and one diesel. The two 1-litre, three-cylinder TSI petrol engines will come with different power specs: a 93bhp option or a higher, 113bhp version. The top model will feature the 1.5-litre, four-cylinder TSI motor generating 148bhp. Completing the range is a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder TDI engine with a 93bhp power output. You can read our review of the 2019 Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0 TSI here.

With the T-Cross, VW will offer an exhaustive lineup of safety features which are generally reserved for models in the higher range. Already included as standard equipment are the Front Assist area monitoring system with Pedestrian Monitoring and City Emergency Braking System, Lane Assist, Hill Start Assist, the proactive occupant protection system, and the Blind Spot Detection system with an integrated Rear Traffic Alert. Adaptive Cruise Control and Park Assist will be available as optional extras.